ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Special Service and Features
Seizure of Shivalingam with Nagabharanam idol by Chennai Air Cargo Customs while being attempted to be smuggled out of India
Based on intelligence gathered, the Officers of Air Cargo Intelligence Unit  intercepted an export consignment containing Shivalingam with Nagabharanam which was destined to United States of America.
As per the invoice submitted with the Export Documents , the idol was said to be purchased from an Arts & Crafts emporium in Kumbakonam. Non-antiquity certificate from ASI for the idol was not submitted by the exporter. On visual examination, the idol appeared to be antique with indications of use. The brass idol with nagabharanam is 36 cm  in height weighing 4.56 kg. Intelligence gathered confirmed that the idol was sourced from an individual in Gedilam near Thirunavalur, Kallakurichi district of Tamil Nadu. As the idol appeared to be antique, the expert opinion of ASI was sought. Archaeological Survey of India  experts team examined the idol and certified the Shivalingam with Nagabharanam as suspected to be antique datable early 1800’s. Shivalingam with Nagabharanam along with other items entered for export are seized under Customs Act, 1962 read with Antiquities Act, 1972.
Further investigations are under progress, according to a press release issued by K.R.Uday Bhaskar, PR. Commissioner of Customs.
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Special Service and Features
Incorporating sports into the curriculum is essential for a well-rounded education- Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur
Shri. Anurag Thakur launches holistic sports curriculum aligning with NEP 2020 in Kochi
Cochin, 18 March 2023
Union Minister of Sports, Youth Affairs and Minister of Information and Broadcasting Shri Anurag Singh Thakur said that incorporating sports into the curriculum is essential for a well-rounded education. Delivering the inaugural address at the state-level launch of holistic sports in school curriculum aligning to National Education Policy 2020 at Pragati Academy in Perumbavoor, Kerala today Shri Anurag Thakur pointed out that sports can help students improve their overall physical health and fitness. He added that regular exercise through sports can help reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease, and other health issues.
Shri Anurag Thakur said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always exhorted to make India a sporting powerhouse and his commitment is evident, whether it is motivating our athletes or meeting them before or after the various championships. The Minister added that Under PM Modi's leadership, India’s ‘sports culture’ has found an invigorated momentum, sports infrastructure has been scaled up and all efforts are being made to nurture athletes from the playfield to the podium. He said with the support of every stakeholders, government will create a sports ecosystem and nobody can stop India from becoming a sports super power.
Shri Anurag Thakur stressed that the central government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the availability of sports facilities in every part of the country as well as for a fit future for our youth and children. Minister lauded and listed out the various achievements made by Indian athletes and Indian teams in various sporting events.
Union Minister said that success in sports cannot be achieved by a country at the elite level unless we invest in students and children at the grassroots level to scout and nurture talent and increase the pool of talented athletes who can play for India.
Kerala Sports Minister Shri V Abdurahiman presided over the function.
Prumbavoor MLA Shri Eldhose Kunnapally, Secretary General, National Council of CBSE Schools, Dr. Indira Rajan, Olympian Shri PR Sreejesh, Perumbavoor Municipal Chairman Shri Biju John Jacob, LNCPE, SAI Regional Director and Principal Dr. G Kishore, Principal, Pragati Academy and General Secretary, CCSK, Mrs. Suchitra Shyjinth attended the function.'
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Ministry of Steel
Ministry of Steel leads the way in “Shramdaan” under Swachhata Hi Seva campaign; Cleanliness drive organized outside the iconic Lotus Temple in New Delhi
Sanitation workers  also honored for their exceptional contributions to maintaining cleanliness in the surroundings
In a remarkable display of commitment towards cleanliness and environmental stewardship, the Ministry of Steel organized a cleanliness drive today  outside the iconic Lotus Temple in New Delhi as part of Shramdaan event under the Swachhata Hi Seva  - 2023. The Swachhata Hi Seva campaign is being organized as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on the eve of his birth anniversary on 2nd October 2023 and this cleanliness drive underscores the Ministry's dedication of promoting a cleaner and greener India.
The Ministry of Steel, under the leadership of Secretary Steel, Shri Nagendra Nath Sinha, has taken proactive steps to champion the cause of cleanliness and sustainability. He took a leading role in the campaign today by actively participating in cleanliness activities at the Lotus Temple. Additional Secretary & Financial Adviser, Smt. Sukriti Likhi, Joint Secretary Sh. Sanjay Roy, Chairman, SAIL Sh. Amarendu Prakash and other officials of the Ministry also wholeheartedly participated in Shramdaan during the Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign at the Lotus Temple.
Human Chain at Lotus Temple
Ministry of Steel and SAIL officials, along with their dedicated employees, created a human chain encircling the Lotus Temple, symbolizing their collective commitment to a cleaner India. This visually striking event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of individual and collective responsibility, thereby sending a powerful message of unity in the pursuit of cleanliness.
Felicitation of 'Swachhata Mitra' 
On the final day of the '#SwachhataHiSeva' campaign, Secretary Steel, Shri Nagendra Nath Sinha, Joint Secretary, Shri Sanjay Roy, and other officials also honored the dedicated cleaning staff with essential kits, recognizing their invaluable contribution to cleanliness efforts by helping in maintaining clean and hygienic surroundings. The sanitation workers of the Ministry of Steel were recognized and felicitated for their tireless efforts in ensuring cleanliness in and around the Udhyog Bhawan, where the Ministry housed.
In line with the clarion call of Prime Minister “Ek Tareekh Ek Ghanta Ek Saath” for joining the Shramdaan , a massive cleanliness drive was carried out across the country. In line with this vision, the Ministry of Steel had organized this cleanliness drive today symbolizing its commitment towards environmental sustainability and a cleaner as well as greener India. Notably, this event at the Lotus Temple was also part of a larger initiative by the Ministry of Steel, which organized similar 'Shramdaan' campaigns at 55 different sites across India through its PSUs. These efforts demonstrate the Ministry's proactive engagement in making Swachh Bharat a reality.
Prime Minister's Office
PM bows to Sri Sri Harichand Thakur on his Jayanti
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid homage to Sri Sri Harichand Thakur on his Jayanti. In a tweet, Shri Modi said:
“I bow to the great Sri Sri Harichand Thakur on his Jayanti. His life and ideals continue to give strength to several people. He gave immense importance to education and social empowerment. His values are reflected in the kind and compassionate nature of the Matua Community.”
The Prime Minister also shared his recent speech during his visit to Orakandi Thakur Bari.
“Just a few weeks ago, I was at the Orakandi Thakur Bari. I shall always cherish those blessed moments. Sharing my speech at the gathering in Orakandi.”
Prime Minister's Office
PM congratulates entire team of 'Naatu Naatu' for winning Oscar award
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated Indian Musical Composer, M.M Keeravani, Lyricist, Chandrabose and entire team for winning Oscar award for 'Naatu Naatu' song from RRR movie for Best Original Song. Shri Modi said that this is exceptional and the popularity of ‘Naatu Naatu’ is global.
In response to the tweet by the Academy, the Prime Minister tweeted;
"Exceptional!
The popularity of ‘Naatu Naatu’ is global. It will be a song that will be remembered for years to come. Congratulations to @mmkeeravaani, @boselyricist and the entire team for this prestigious honour.
India is elated and proud. #Oscars"
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Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
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Benefits of PMUY Extended to Poor Families
Pradhan Mantri UjjwalaYojana  is currently under implementation across the country. As on 26.12.2018, more than 5.89 crore connections have been released under PMUY. State/UT-wise details are at Annexure.
As on 26.12.2018, OMCs have released more than 5.89 crore LPG connections under PMUY consumers. Earlier, the beneficiaries under PMUY were identified either from SECC list or from seven other identified categories. Now, the Government has decided to extend the benefit to all left out poor families underPMUY, subject to fulfilment of terms & conditions.
OMCs have reported very minuscule number of cases of established irregularities in providing gas connections to BPL households under PMUY since launch of the Scheme. OMCs have taken punitive action as per the extant Marketing Discipline Guidelines  and the Distributorship Agreement against LPG distributors in all the established cases of irregularities.
Implementation of PMUY is monitored closely in terms of number of beneficiaries identified and the actual number of connections released vis-a-vis LPG coverage in States/Districts. The difficulties faced by OMCs mainly relate to identification of households, difficult terrain, low awareness on usefulness of LPG etc. The Government has taken up the matter with concerned State Governments. Further, OMCs have launched awareness programme through print and electronic media highlighting the benefit of usage of LPG.
As on 01.12.2018, there are 22,328 LPG distributors in the country. Further, with a view to strengthen the LPG distribution infrastructure, OMCs had advertised more than 6400 locations across the country, which are mostly in rural areas.
This information was given by Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan in a written reply to the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
SECI records over 59% jump in RE power trading volume during FY 2022-23
Revenue from power trading crosses Rs. 10,000 crore for the first time
India is witnessing transition towards sustainable sources at an unprecedented pace, says Ms. Suman Sharma, MD, SECI
Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited  has traded over 35 BU , a jump of over 59% in its Renewable Energy power trading volume during FY 2022-23 over the previous year. Likewise, the revenue from power trading has crossed Rs. 10,000 Crore mark for the first time since its inception.
Speaking on the achievement, Ms. Suman Sharma, MD said, “India is witnessing an energy transition towards sustainable sources at an unprecedented pace and SECI is striving hard to have the maximum contribution in nation’s journey towards 500 GW of non-fossil fuel by 2030, as announced by Hon’ble Prime Minister. Entire team of employees and management of SECI is tirelessly working towards this goal.”
Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited  is a Miniratna Category-I Central Public Sector Enterprise  incorporated in the year 2011. It is the primary implementing agency of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Govt. of India for Renewable Energy schemes/projects towards fulfillment of India's international commitments.
Till date, SECI has awarded Renewable Energy  project capacities of over 56 GW. SECI is also active in setting up of projects through its own investments as well as for other public sector entities as Project Management Consultant . SECI enjoys highest credit rating of AAA by ICRA.
President's Secretariat
PRESIDENT OF INDIA ADDRESSES THE ANNUAL CONVOCATION OF VISVA-BHARATI
Kolkata, November 11, 2019.
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, graced and addressed the annual convocation of Visva-Bharati at Santiniketan today .
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that Visva-Bharati is the realisation of Gurudev’s vision of India in dialogue with the world. He developed it as a place for “incubation of ideas”. The place welcomed cultural influences from across the world while remaining grounded in the Indian ethos. This uniqueness of Visva-Bharati is something that we need to prize and hold up with pride before the entire world. It was in this place that Tagore lived, worked and gave concrete shape to his dreams. He said that Visva-Bharati’s illustrious alumni covering a diverse range of personalities from Indira Gandhi and Satyajit Ray to Amartya Sen have not only fulfilled its founder’s vision to a great extent, but also contributed in taking independent India to new heights in various walks of life.
The President said that when it was founded, Visva-Bharati was like an oasis in the vast desert of pedagogies that, more often than not, saw learners as robots to be programmed. In this oasis, Tagore had taught us to live in a manner that would fulfil the inner urges of the human self. For this purpose, he felt it necessary not only to train the minds of the students through disciplines like philosophy, literature or history, but also to engage their souls with music and painting and fine arts. Given the pragmatic needs, there was space for agricultural studies too. This is why alongside Santiniketan, the Abode of Peace, he gave so much importance to rural reconstruction and village welfare at Sriniketan, the Abode of Prosperity.
JN
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Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Effective Control and Management of Resources in Fishing Sector
The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme  on Blue Revolution: Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries provides financial assistance to State Governments/Union Territories  for development of fisheries including fisheries infrastructures, cold chain and marketing facilities. Besides, in order to address the infrastructural requirements for fisheries sector, Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Fund  with a funds size of Rs 7522.48 crore has been created in the Department of Fisheries. Under the FIDF, the Government of India provides interest subvention upto 3% annually on the loan availed by the eligible entities including State Governments/Union Territories from the Nodal Loaning Entities namely, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development , National Cooperative Development Corporation  and Scheduled Banks. Further, the Sanitary and phytosanitary  measures in fisheries sector are addressed through implementation of Sanitary Import Permit  regimes for import of fishery products and aquaculture inputs as well as through guidelines for import of fish species in live form.
The CSS and FIDF implemented by the Department of Fisheries encompass supports for development of fisheries sector including cold chain infrastructures facilities like ice plants, cold storages, retail fish markets, mobile/retail fish outlets, fish transport vehicles like refrigerated and insulated trucks for modernizing the fisheries infrastructure. The CSS also provides financial assistance for strengthening of fisheries institutes under the Department of Fisheries namely  Fishery Survey of India , Mumbai,  Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering Training , Kochi,  National Institute of Fisheries Post Harvest Technology and Training , Kochi and  Central Institute Of Coastal Engineering For Fishery , Bangalore, primarily to facilitate development of marine fisheries including capacity and training.
In pursuance of the announcement made in the Union Budget of 2019, the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has formulated a scheme on Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana  and seeking its approval. The PMMSY inter alia envisages creation of critical fisheries infrastructure and cold chain facilities in all States/Union Territories to preserve shelf life of fish and reduce its wastage and spoilage. This include construction of cold storages, ice plants, creation of whole sale and retail fish markets, support for acquisition of refrigerated and insulated trucks and live fish vending centres, two and three wheelers vehicles with ice boxes.
This information was given in a written reply by the Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Pratap Chandra Sarangi, in Lok Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
Maharashtra Governor calls on PM
The Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Ramesh Bais called on the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today.
The Prime Minister's office tweeted;
"The Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Ramesh Bais, called on PM @narendramodi."
Special Service and Features
Marine scientists unearth genome secrets of Indian Oil Sardine
Kochi, Sep 07, 2023
In a major breakthrough in Indian marine fisheries research, a team of scientists at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute  have decoded the whole genome of the Indian oil sardine , a popular food fish. This is the first time that the genome of a marine fish species from the Indian subcontinent has been decoded.
CMFRI Director Dr A Gopalakrishnan said that the decoded genome will be a valuable resource for understanding the biology, ecology and evolution of the oil sardine. “This critical genome data could be used to improve the management strategies for the conservation and sustainable utilisation of this fish”, he said.
The decoded genome is 1.077 Gb in size and contains a total of 46316 protein coding genes. This landmark research accomplishment was achieved through the cutting-edge Next Generation Sequencing technology by a group of researchers led by Dr Sandhya Sukumaran, Principal Scientist at Marine Biotechnology division of the CMFRI. This research has been published in the high impact journal Scientific Data of Nature group.
Indian oil sardine is a vital fisheries resource in the Indian subcontinent, contributing substantially, approximately 10%, to the total marine fisheries industry in India.
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Ministry of Labour & Employment
Special Swachhta Campaign 2.0 successfully conducted in the organization of Chief Labour Commissioner 
11637 old files disposed and 1200 Sq.ft. space freed
The Special Swachhta Campaign 2.0 was successfully conducted in the organization of Chief Labour Commissioner and its 20 regional oﬀices throughout the Nation from October 2nd to October 31st, 2022.
The oﬀice of Chief Labour Commissioner  at Shram Shakti Bhawan, New Delhi along with the field oﬀices situated and functioning at Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Asansol, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Cochin, Dehradun, Dhanbad, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jabalpur, Kanpur, Kolkata, Mumbai, Nagpur, New Delhi, Patna, Raipur and independent oﬀices of LEO, ALC and RLC situated in the above regions participated in the Special Campaign 2.0.
During the month-long campaign about 12000 old files were reviewed and total of 11637 files weeded out. Unwanted materials, scrap have been identified and removed. As a result, a total of 1200 Sq. Ft. space has been freed. The surrounding areas of all the oﬀice premises situated at diﬀerent regions have been cleaned of shrubs and weeds. The trees have been trimmed and oﬀice premises cleaned to give space a presentable look. The special campaign 2.0 was successfully carried out in the CLC organization with the objective to provide better service to all the stake holders.
Chief Labour Commissioner  Organization:
The organization of the Chief Labour Commissioner , also known as Central Industrial Relations Machinery is an Apex Organization in the country responsible for maintaining harmonious industrial relations mainly in the sphere of Central Government. It is a subordinate office of Ministry of Labour and Employment. The main function of the organization of Chief Labour Commissioner  is to facilitate and enforce the labour laws, quasi-judicial functions, prevention and settlement of industrial disputes through conciliation/mediation and verification of trade union membership.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Union Minister of State Shri Ramdas Athawale Calls for Renunciation of all Sorts of Atrocities against backward communities
Kolkata, August 20, 2019.
Shri Ramdas Athawale, the Union Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment attended an special session on “Social Justice and Empowerment in India: Progress made and Way Ahead” held by Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry  here in Kolkata today. Addressing a press conference in Kolkata earlier in the day, the Minister said, Central Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiis working to empower SC, OBCs and weaker sections of the society and trying to minimize the cases of atrocities against Dalits and backward communities. The situation in West Bengal is much brighter as only one case of atrocities against Dalits has been recorded so farin 2019-20 in the state, the Minister said.Shri Athawale clearly pointed out that any kind of violence against people, more particularly against Dalits as well as the minorities of the society should be dealt strongly. The Minister added that people across the country should unite together to stop violence. He gave the instance of B R Ambedkar and his philosophy in this connection and said Baba Saheb Ambedkar always stood for non-violence and against social discrimination.
Shri Athawale said that the Union Government is trying for the last 5-years for the upliftment of SC, ST and OBCs and 4.69 lakh students belonging to SC community and 3.60 lakh OBC students in West Bengal have been given financial assistance under various central schemes. The government, he added is keen to do away with the menial occupation of manual scavenging at any cost from the country and so special skill training is being imparted to the children of this community to enable them to take-up some other profession in future. In this connection, Shri Athawale also appreciated the rising trend of inter-caste marriage in West Bengal as it helps in bringing down casteism and social hatred. He urged the West Bengal government to cooperate with Centre for implementing welfare schemes in the state.
Shri Athawale also mentioned in details the schemes available in the country at present for the welfare of SC, ST, OBC, Divyangjans and minorities. He gave out detailed information about initiatives taken up by Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry for backward people and communities including scholarships and overseas scholarships, residential schools and hostels, pension for Divyangjans and Safai Karmaacharis, provision of venture capital, partnering in skilled training programmes and the like.
CG/MSA
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NITI Aayog
Clarification on news reports regarding NITI Aayog’s Draft Three Year Action Agenda, published on 26thApril, 2017
Several newspaper reports published on April 26th, 2017, state that NITI Aayog or its Draft Three year Action Agenda has recommended that Farm Income in India be taxed to expand the existing Income Tax base. The NITI Aayog categorically states that this is neither the view of the Aayog nor is such a recommendation made anywhere in the Draft Action Agenda document as circulated to the Governing Council at the meeting on 23rd April 2017.
NITI Aayog notes that the views on Taxing Farm Income expressed by Member Shri BibekDebroy were personal and not those of the Aayog.